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United States Patent |
6,106,403
|
Zemel
|
August 22, 2000
|
Portable enclosure for toys and sand
Abstract
A no-mess portable enclosure is adapted for holding sand and/or toys and
facilitates play with the sand and/or toys without allowing same to escape
the enclosure. The enclosure is usable indoors or outdoors and is easily
portable from one location to another without fear that the sand or other
contents will be spilled. The enclosure is highly aesthetically pleasing
and enhances the surrounding area. Also, it is usable by multiple people
simultaneously. The no-mess play area includes an enclosure defining a
hollow interior region adapted for receipt of sand, toys, and the like,
wherein at least a portion of the enclosure is defined from a transparent
material. At least first and second arm access assemblies are connected to
the enclosure and are spaced relative to each other so as to be adapted
for respective simultaneous receipt of left and right arms of a child or
other user. The arm access assemblies each include a flexible sleeve
having a first end sealingly positioned in an opening in the enclosure and
a closed second end extending into the hollow interior region of the
enclosure. Each of the sleeves is adapted for receipt of one of the left
and right arms of the first child.
Inventors:
|
Zemel; Helaine (3771 Meadowbrook Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118)
|
Appl. No.:
|
373517 |
Filed:
|
August 12, 1999 |
Current U.S. Class: |
472/126; 422/104 |
Intern'l Class: |
A63G 031/00 |
Field of Search: |
472/126,137
422/102,104
312/1
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3084684 | Apr., 1963 | Saunders | 422/104.
|
4876773 | Oct., 1989 | Wade | 422/104.
|
5316733 | May., 1994 | Rune et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Kien T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
Parent Case Text
This application claims the benefit of provisional Application Ser. No.
60/098,872 filed on Sep. 2, 1998 now abandoned.
Claims
Having thus described the preferred embodiments, what is claimed is:
1. A method of providing a no-mess play area for children comprising:
providing an at least partially transparent enclosure defining a hollow
interior region;
placing at least one of loose toys and sand within said hollow interior
region and sealing said enclosure to prevent escape of said at least one
of loose toys and sand therefrom;
providing a first pair of arm access assemblies including first and second
arm access assemblies connected to said enclosure and spaced relative to
each other so as to be adapted for respective simultaneous receipt of left
and right arms of a first child, each of said arm access assemblies
comprising a flexible sleeve sealingly positioned in an opening in said
enclosure and extending into said hollow interior region of said
enclosure, each of said sleeves defining a central passage adapted for
receipt of one of said left and right arms of said first child and a
closed innermost end within said hollow interior region.
2. The method of providing a no-mess play area for children as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said flexible sleeves provided as part of said first and
second arm access assemblies are substantially impervious to said sand
within said hollow interior region of said enclosure but allow the passage
of air therethrough.
3. The method of providing a no-mess play area for children as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising:
providing a second pair of arm access assemblies including first and second
arm access assemblies connected to said enclosure and spaced relative to
each other so as to be adapted for respective simultaneous receipt of left
and right arms of a second child, each of said arm access assemblies
comprising a flexible sleeve sealingly positioned in an opening in said
enclosure and extending into said hollow interior region of said
enclosure, each of said sleeves defining a central passage adapted for
receipt of one of said left and right arms of said second child and a
closed innermost end within said hollow interior region.
4. The method of providing a no-mess play area for children as set forth in
claim 3, wherein said first and second pairs of arm access assemblies are
arranged on opposite sides of said transparent enclosure so that first and
second children respectively using said first and second pairs of arm
access assemblies can view each other through transparent portions of said
enclosure.
5. A method of playing comprising:
partially filling a hollow interior region of an enclosure with at least
one of toys and sand, said enclosure including at least a transparent
portion;
providing at least one arm access assembly that provides access to said
hollow interior region for purposes of manipulating said sand, said arm
access assembly including a sleeve adapted for receipt of an arm of a
user;
placing an arm and hand of a user into said sleeve, said sleeve closed to
said hollow interior region of said enclosure to prevent direct contact
between said hand of said user and said at least one of said toys and
sand;
playing with said at least one of said toys and sand with said hand by
indirect contact through said sleeve while simultaneously viewing said at
least one of toys and sand and said sleeve through said transparent
portion of said enclosure.
6. A play area comprising:
an enclosure defining a hollow interior region adapted for receipt of at
least one of toys and sand, at least a portion of said enclosure defined
from a transparent material;
a first pair of arm access assemblies including first and second arm access
assemblies connected to said enclosure and spaced relative to each other
so as to be adapted for respective receipt of left and right arms of a
first child, each of said arm access assemblies comprising a flexible
sleeve defined from a breathable material that allows the passage of air
therethrough and having a first end sealingly positioned in an opening in
said enclosure and a closed second end extending into said hollow interior
region of said enclosure, each of said sleeves adapted for receipt of one
of said left and right arms of said first child.
7. The play area for children as set forth in claim 6, further comprising:
a second pair of arm access assemblies including first and second arm
access assemblies connected to said enclosure and spaced relative to each
other so as to be adapted for respective receipt of left and right arms of
a second child, each of said arm access assemblies comprising a flexible
sleeve having a first end sealingly positioned in an opening in said
enclosure and a closed second end extending into said hollow interior
region of said enclosure, each of said sleeves adapted for receipt of one
of said left and right arms of said second child.
8. The play area for children as set forth in claim 7, wherein said
flexible sleeves provided as part of said first and second pairs of arm
access assemblies are substantially impervious to sand.
9. The play area for children as set forth in claim 7, wherein said first
and second pairs of arm access assemblies are arranged on opposite sides
of said enclosure, and wherein said enclosure is substantially transparent
so that first and second children respectively using said first and second
pairs of arm access assemblies can view each other through said enclosure.
10. The play area for children as set forth in claim 6, wherein said first
and second arm access assemblies each comprise:
a cylindrical hub projecting outwardly from a wall of said enclosure, said
hub defining a bore in communication with said hollow interior region;
a flange connected to a outer portion of said hub, wherein said first end
of said flexible sleeve extends out of said bore of said hub and is
stretched over said flange; and,
a fastener placed over said stretched first end of said sleeve so that said
first end of said sleeve is frictionally secured between said fastener and
said hub.
11. The play area for children as set forth in claim 6, wherein said
enclosure is defined by a plurality of panels comprising:
a horizontally extending floor panel;
first and second transparent end wall panels projecting vertically upwardly
on opposite first and second ends of said floor panel;
first and second transparent side wall panels projecting upwardly on
opposite lateral sides of said floor panel and interconnecting said first
and second end wall panels, said first and second side wall panels
converging toward each other in a direction moving upwardly away from said
floor panel and interconnected to define a peak, wherein said first pair
of arm access assemblies is connected to one of said first and second side
wall panels.
12. The play area for children as set forth in claim 6, wherein said
enclosure is defined by a plurality of members comprising:
a horizontally extending floor panel;
a cylindrical wall panel projecting vertically upwardly from said floor
panel; and,
a dome member connected to said cylindrical wall panel so that said hollow
interior region is defined by and between said floor panel, said
cylindrical wall member, and said dome member, wherein said first pair of
arm access assemblies is connected to said cylindrical wall member.
13. A play area comprising;
at least one of toys and sand;
a closed container formed of panels including top, bottom, and side panels
defining a hollow interior chamber for holding the at least one of toys
and sand;
first and second openings in one of said panels, the openings being
proportioned to receive a child's left and right hands and arms,
respectively;
first and second flexible sleeve affixed to said first and second openings
and extending into the hollow interior region enclosed by the container,
said sleeves adapted for respective receipt of said child's left and right
hands and arms and defining a closed innermost end.
14. The play area as set forth in claim 13, wherein both toys and sand are
positioned in the hollow interior region of the container.
15. The play area as set forth in claim 13, further comprising:
first and second bosses projecting outwardly from said panel that define
said first and second openings and respectively surrounding said openings,
wherein said first and second sleeves extend out of said openings and
include outermost portions that are stretched over and lie adjacent said
first and second bosses, respectively;
first and second sleeve attachment members placed in surrounding relation
with said first and second bosses and said outermost portions of said
first and second sleeves to secure said first and second sleeves to said
first and second bosses, respectively.
16. The play area as set forth in claim 15, further comprising:
first and second flanges connected to said first and second bosses so that
first and second sleeve retaining grooves are defined by said panel that
defines said openings, said first and second bosses, and said first and
second flanges, respectively.
17. A play area comprising:
an at least partially transparent enclosure defining an interior region;
at least one of toys and sand placed in said interior region of said
enclosure;
at least one arm access assembly connected to said enclosure and comprising
a flexible sleeve having a first end sealingly positioned in an opening
defined in said enclosure and a closed second end, said sleeve adapted for
receipt of either one of a left and right arm of a user whereby a user can
manipulate said at least one of toys and sand within said enclosure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of children's toys.
More particularly, the invention relates to a portable enclosure for toys
and/or sand adapted for use by children or others in a manner that
prevents spillage of the sand or toys without reducing the enjoyment to
the user. The present invention further relates to a method of play that
provides entertainment and enjoyment without the attendant mess associated
with conventional play areas such as sand boxes.
Children of all ages love to play in the sand. Sand is a stimulating,
creative and inventive tool. Sandboxes provide children with hours of fun
and education. Unfortunately, while playing in traditional sandboxes,
children get sand on themselves and the play area, which is very messy and
difficult to clean-up. Also, conventional sand boxes are not freely
portable without concern of spilling sand and/or toys therefrom.
Similarly, when using toys, such as interconnectable building blocks and
the like, children typically scatter the toys throughout a room or other
area. This, obviously, is unattractive, results in lost toy pieces, and
can present a dangerous situation due to the chance that a child at play
will stumble over a misplaced toy.
Also, conventional sand boxes are not suited for indoor use because they
are unsightly and messy. Therefore, they are used outdoors which prevents
use during inclement weather or at night. Furthermore, sand in
conventional outdoor sandboxes is easily contaminated.
In light of the foregoing specifically noted deficiencies and others
associated with conventional sand boxes and play areas, a need has been
identified for a no-mess indoor enclosure adapted for holding sand and/or
toys that facilitates play with the sand or toys without allowing same to
escape or be removed from the enclosure. A need has also been identified
for such an enclosure that is usable indoors or outdoors and that is
easily portable from one location to another without fear that the
contents will be spilled. Also, a need has been identified for such a
no-mess indoor portable sandbox and toy enclosure that is highly
aesthetically pleasing so that it enhances the surrounding area, and that
is usable by multiple people simultaneously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a no-mess portable enclosure for
toys and sand is provided.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a method of
providing a no-mess play area for children includes providing a
substantially transparent enclosure defining a hollow interior region,
placing sand within the hollow interior region, and sealing the enclosure
to prevent escape of the sand therefrom. A first pair of arm access
assemblies is provided and includes first and second arm access assemblies
connected to the enclosure and spaced relative to each other so as to be
adapted for respective simultaneous receipt of left and right arms of a
first child. Each of the arm access assemblies includes a flexible sleeve
sealingly positioned in an opening in the enclosure and extending into the
hollow interior region. Each of the sleeves defines a passage adapted for
receipt of one of the left and right arms of the first child and a closed
innermost end within the hollow interior region.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of
playing with sand includes partially filling a hollow interior region of
an enclosure with sand, the enclosure including at least a transparent
portion. At least one arm access assembly is provided for accessing the
hollow interior region for purposes of manipulating the sand. The arm
access assembly includes a sleeve adapted for receipt of an arm of a user.
An arm and hand of a user, such as a child, is placed into the sleeve,
which is closed to the hollow interior region of the enclosure to prevent
direct contact between the user's hand and the sand. The user plays with
the sand with his/her hand by indirect contact between the sand and
his/her hand through the sleeve while simultaneously viewing the sand and
the sleeve through the transparent portion of the enclosure.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a no-mess
play area for children includes an enclosure defining a hollow interior
region adapted for receipt of sand, wherein at least a portion of the
enclosure is defined from a transparent material. A first pair of arm
access assemblies, including first and second arm access assemblies, is
connected to the enclosure and the first and second assemblies are spaced
relative to each other so as to be adapted for respective simultaneous
receipt of left and right arms of a first child. Each of the arm access
assemblies includes a flexible sleeve having a first end sealingly
positioned in an opening in the enclosure and a closed second end
extending into the hollow interior region of the enclosure. Each of the
sleeves is adapted for receipt of one of the left and right arms of the
first child.
In accordance with a yet further aspect of the present invention, a play
area includes sand and a closed container formed of panels including top,
bottom, and side panels that define a hollow interior chamber for holding
the sand. First and second openings are defined in one of the panels, and
the openings are proportioned to receive a child's left and right hands
and arms, respectively. First and second flexible sleeves are affixed to
the openings and extend into the hollow interior region enclosed by the
container, wherein the sleeves adapted for respective receipt of said
child's left and right hands and arms and define a closed innermost end.
One advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel,
self-contained, portable no-mess sandbox and toy enclosure that allows
children and others to have hours of enjoyment, alone or simultaneously
with others, while eliminating the mess commonly associated with sandboxes
and use of toys.
Another advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a
no-mess portable enclosure for sand and toys that is usable indoors,
thereby allowing children and other users to enjoy the sandbox and toys
throughout the year in any weather conditions.
A further advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of an
enclosure for sand and toys that is easily movable without requiring
removal of the sand/toys and without requiring attachment of separate
cover members or the like.
Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a
no-mess indoor portable sandbox that is simple and cost-effective to
construct.
Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention
pertains upon reading and understanding the following specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of
components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps, preferred
embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable enclosure for sand and toys
formed in accordance with the present invention including sand and toys
therein;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the enclosure of FIG. 1, the opposite
side being substantially identical;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the enclosure of FIG. 1, the rear
elevational view being substantially identical;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view, partially in cross-section and partially in
elevation, of a sleeve member and its attachment to an enclosure formed in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable enclosure for sand and toys
formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable enclosure for sand and toys
formed in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings,
wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred
embodiments only and not for purposes of limiting same. FIGS. 1-4
illustrates a portable enclosure E formed in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention and defining a hollow, interior region
I adapted for holding sand S (natural sand and/or any other flowable
particulate matter) and toys T therein. The enclosure E is preferably
supported above a floor, counter, or other support surface upon a base B.
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the base B is defined in an X-shaped conformation
that has been found to be highly stable while, at the same time, providing
sufficient room beneath the enclosure E for a user's legs and feet. Of
course, the base B may be provided in a wide variety of other suitable
sizes and shapes, and it is not intended that the invention be limited to
any particular size/shape of base.
Preferably, the enclosure E is constructed entirely from transparent
materials such as glass or plastic, although other materials may
alternatively/additionally be used to construct select portions of the
enclosure E. Preferred transparent materials include LEXAN.RTM. or acrylic
plastics formed into planar panels. These panels are preferably
solvent-welded, adhesively bonded, and/or otherwise fixedly secured to
each other with fasteners or by a friction-fit to form rigid and,
preferably, permanent connections therebetween so as to define the
enclosure E in any desired overall shape. Whatever method used to
interconnect the panels that define the enclosure E, it is important that
the panels be joined in a manner that prevents escape of sand through the
joints between connected panels. As is discussed in more complete detail
below, the enclosure E is preferably constructed from transparent
materials so that a person outside of the enclosure E may have a clear,
undistorted view of the sand S and toys T in the interior region I, and
also through the enclosure E, itself.
The embodiment of the enclosure E illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is defined by a
plurality of planar panels including a horizontally extending floor panel
20, and first and second end wall panels 22a,22b projecting upwardly from
the floor panel 20 on first and second opposite ends 24a,24b of the
enclosure E. The end panels 22a,22b are interconnected by the floor panel
20 and by first and second side wall panels 26a,26b. The side wall panels
26a,26b are each joined to the floor panel 20 and project upwardly
therefrom in a manner converging toward each other so as to define a peak
P of the enclosure E where the side walls 26a,26b are joined together.
Preferably, the side walls 26a,26b are defined from a single panel as a
one-piece construction, with the peak P formed by a crease or fold in the
single panel. As is apparent from an inspection of FIGS. 1-4, the
described construction for the enclosure E is highly desirable due to the
large, uninterrupted expanse of each side wall panel 26a,26b that
facilitates viewing sand S and toys T housed in the interior I of the
enclosure E and that facilitates viewing entirely through the enclosure E,
itself.
The enclosure E comprises a plurality of arm access assemblies A that allow
a child or other user to access the interior I of the enclosure E with his
or her arms and hands for purposes of playing with or otherwise
manipulating the sand S, toys T, or other objects housed therein. More
particularly, the arm access assemblies A provide access to the enclosure
interior I without allowing a user to remove sand S, toys T, or any other
objects therefrom.
Preferably, at least two pairs of arm access assemblies A are provided,
with the members of each pair arranged to accommodate the left and right
arms of a user, respectively. This allows multiple users to play with the
sand S and toys T simultaneously. Thus, as shown herein, a first pair of
arm access assemblies 32a,32b, are provided in association with the first
side wall 26a of the enclosure, and a second pair of arm access assemblies
34a,34b are provided opposite the first pair 32a,32b in association with
the second side wall 26b. The members 32a,32b and 34a,34b of each pair are
spaced apart from each other a distance that approximates the distance
separating a child's arm so that a child may comfortably place his/her
left and right arms in the arm access assemblies 32a,32b or 34a,34b,
respectively. As noted, the pairs of arm access assemblies A are
preferably arranged directly opposite each other so that the users
manipulating sand S and toys T in the enclosure E by way of the arm access
assembly pairs 32a,32b and 34a,34b can see each other through the
transparent panels 26a,26b and can play together, if desired, in a
particular section of the interior I. Of course, other arm access
assemblies A can be formed through the end walls 22a,22b or the side walls
26a,26b without departing from the overall scope and intent of the present
invention.
With reference now also to FIG. 5, the construction of each arm access
assembly A is described in detail. Each arm access assembly A is
preferably identically constructed by forming an opening, such as a
circular opening 40 through one of the panels 22a,22b,26a,26b, as desired
(the panel 26b is illustrated in FIG. 5 as an example). A cylindrical hub
42 is fixedly secured in the opening 40 by solvent welding, adhesive,
fasteners, or other suitable convenient means. An inner end 44 of the hub
42 is preferably placed at least substantially flush with an inner surface
27b of the panel 26b so that the inner end 44 of the hub 42 does not
interfere with arm movement within the interior I of the enclosure E. An
opposite, outer end 46 of the hub 42 projects outwardly from the panel
26b, away from the enclosure E and forms a boss to which a flexible arm
sleeve 50 is fixedly secured. More particularly, the outer end 46 of the
hub 42 preferably defines or includes a flange 48 that extends parallel to
the panel 26b. Thus, a sleeve retaining annular groove G is defined by and
between the hub 42, the flange 48, and the panel 26b. The hub 42 defines a
central bore B that is dimensioned to accommodate a child's or an adult's
arm freely.
The sleeve 50, itself, is defined by a thin, elongated, flexible tubular
fabric construction that defines a central passage 52 dimensioned to
accommodate a child's arm. The sleeve 50 is sufficiently long so that at
least a substantial portion of the length of a child's arm is receivable
therein. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 50 is formed from flexible,
pliable spandex, nylon, and/or other suitable breathable, flexible,
resilient fabric or other material that stretches to accommodate a child's
arm and movement of same. Further, the material from which the sleeve 50
is constructed is impervious or at least substantially impervious to the
sand S so that sand S retained in the enclosure E cannot escape by passing
through a sleeve 50, but that also allows the passage of air therethrough.
In its operative position, connected to the arm access assembly A, the
sleeve 50 lies substantially within the interior I of the enclosure. A
first, innermost end 54 of the sleeve 50 defines a simple closed end as
shown or, optionally, defines a closed glove or mitten shape specifically
adapted to receive a child's hand. In any case, the end 54 is closed to
prevent passage of objects into the enclosure E through the sleeve passage
52, and to prevent escape of sand S or other objects housed within the
enclosure through the passage 52 of the sleeve 50. A second, outer end 56
of the sleeve defines an open end of the sleeve central passage 52. This
second end 56 is adapted for secure interconnection with the hub 42 of the
arm access assembly A. More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the
second end of the sleeve 50 is pulled out of the bore B of the hub 42,
over the flange 48, and into the annular groove G. To fixedly secure the
sleeve in this operative position as shown in FIG. 5, an annular band 60,
a C-clip, or other suitable convenient fastener is used to trap and retain
the sleeve 50 in the groove G. In one preferred embodiment, the fastener
60 is provided by an electrical cable tie that, once tightened, is not
able to be loosened without being cut. Such a band 60 prevents
unintentional or unauthorized removal of the sleeve 50 once same is
secured in its operative position as shown. Regardless of the type of
fastener 60 employed to secure the sleeve 50 in its operative position,
the fastener 60 must tightly secure the sleeve 50 in the groove to prevent
passage of sand between the sleeve and the hub 42 in the groove G.
If desired, an adult or other authorized person can selectively disconnect
one or more sleeves 50 from their respective arm access assemblies A for
purposes of adding/removing sand S, toys T, or other objects to/from the
interior I of the enclosure E through the bore B defined in each hub 42.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative portable enclosure E' for sand and
toys formed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.
Except as shown and described herein, the enclosure E' is the same as or
substantially similar to the enclosure E. Accordingly, like components are
identified with like reference numerals/letters including a primed (')
suffix. The enclosure E' is preferably constructed entirely from
transparent panels that define a hollow interior region I' that receives
sand S, toys T, and other objects as desired. The enclosure E' is
supported upon a base B' that is identical to the base B described above.
A primary difference between the enclosure E and the enclosure E' is its
overall shape. The enclosure E' defines a rectangular box-like lower
portion E1 comprising a floor panel 80, end walls 82a,82b located at
opposite ends of the floor panel 80, and side walls 84a,84b located on
opposite lateral sides of the floor panel 80, all projecting vertically
upwardly from the floor panel 80. The upper portion E2 of the enclosure E'
is fixedly secured to the lower portion E1 and comprises end walls 92a,92b
connected to the end walls 82a,82b, and side walls 94a,94b connected to
the side walls 84a,84b, respectively, all of which panels 92a,92b,94a,94b
are interconnected so that sand S cannot escape the interior I' of the
enclosure E'. The side walls 94a,94b converge toward each other in a
direction moving away from the floor panel 80 and meet to define a peak
P'. The side walls 94a,94b are preferably defined from a single panel as a
one-piece construction that is bent or folded to define the peak P'. At
least one pair, and preferably at least two pairs of arm access assemblies
A are defined through the enclosure E', preferably through the side walls
84a,84b as illustrated.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of a portable enclosure E" for
toys and sand formed in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated. Except as shown and described, the enclosure E" is similar in
all respects to the enclosures E,E'. Thus, like components relative to the
enclosure E' are identified with like reference numerals and letters
including a double-primed (") suffix. The enclosure E" is also preferable
defined entirely from transparent plastic or glass and is supported upon a
base B" comprising a plurality of legs 100a,100b. The enclosure E",
itself, is defined by a lower portion E1" and an upper portion E2" that
are interconnected. The lower portion preferably comprises a horizontally
extending floor panel 120 and a cylindrical wall member 122 that projects
vertically upwardly from the periphery of the floor member 120. Plural
pairs of arm access assemblies A are formed through the cylindrical member
122. The upper portion E2" of the enclosure E" is preferably a downwardly
opening dome-shaped member defined as a one-piece construction. This
overall conformation of the enclosure E" is highly aesthetically pleasing
and is extremely safe, given the lack of any sharp corners or other
portions that could inflict injury to a child.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the illustrated
enclosures E,E',E" are examples only, and that modifications and
alterations can be made thereto without departing from the overall scope
and intent of the invention. For example, although the enclosures have
been shown and described with four arm access assemblies A (two pairs), it
is contemplated that six (6), eight (8) or more arm access assemblies
could be provided depending on the overall size of the enclosure E,E',E"
so that three, four, or more people may play with the sand S and toys T
simultaneously. Further, although the invention has been described
primarily for use by children, it may also be used by others, such as
adults in need of therapy or amusement. Also, given that the floor panels
20,80,120 of the enclosures E,E',E" are typically entirely covered with
sand, these panels need not be transparent. Also, the enclosures E,E',E"
can be provided in an unassembled, kit form for final assembly by an
end-user.
In operation, an adult or other authorized user loads the enclosure E,E',
E" with sand S, toys T, and/or any other objects, as desired through one
or more of the bores B of the arm access assembly hubs 42. Once the
enclosure is loaded as desired, the authorized user places all of the
sleeves 50 in their operative positions, sealed in the bores B of their
respective arm access assemblies by a band 60 or the like. This, then,
prevents the escape of sand or other contents of the enclosure.
A child or other user is then able to place his/her left and right arms
into the sleeves 50 of first and second arm access assemblies A forming a
pair. The user is then able to manipulate the sand S, toys T, or other
objects housed in the enclosure E,E',E" by grasping or otherwise acting on
same through the innermost end 54 of the sleeves 52 into which his/her
arms have been inserted. As noted above, neither the sand S nor the toys T
or other objects can escape the enclosure by way of the arm access
assemblies A when the sleeve 50 of each arm access assembly is secured in
its operative position as illustrated.
The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments.
Of course, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a
reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that
the invention be construed as including all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they are encompassed by the appended claims and
equivalents thereof.
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